Chapter 250: Final Exam
August 6th, Year 63 of Konoha—this long-anticipated day finally arrived.
The Chunin Exams' final exam officially commenced. On the way to the venue, Naruto smiled and rejected Konohamaru's "shortcut" suggestion, then parted ways with Satsuki, who hadn't advanced—she headed to the spectator stands while Naruto came to the finals arena, as magnificent as an ancient coliseum.
Over this past month, despite knowing no one could truly threaten him, Naruto had devoted himself entirely to training. After successfully mastering Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, his days had been largely peaceful...
If anything noteworthy happened, it was probably returning home one day to find his old small bed had vanished without a trace, replaced by a brand new spacious larger bed.
The culprit was naturally Satsuki, who'd used her "money power" to forcibly upgrade it. While Naruto didn't understand her insistence on changing beds, he'd long grown accustomed to her somewhat forceful manner of care.
Currently, the spectator stands surrounding the arena were packed with people, the massive circular battle ground surrounded by tiered seating, the atmosphere as heated as an ancient coliseum... or rather, a duel ground.
Only Satsuki, the one person who could make him scratch his head, was now sitting in the spectator section. Perhaps... after defeating Gaara, he could pet Shukaku's head? He wondered what that giant tanuki felt like.
His gaze swept toward the highest seat—the Third Hokage sat there smiling, beside him sat a Kazekage with a hat covering his face. Naruto slightly furrowed his brow. He couldn't confirm whether this Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise or the real Rasa.
The life force he sensed from the other was completely different from Orochimaru's from a month ago in the Forest of Death... Had Impure World Reincarnation switched containers, or did that strange Shedding Skin Technique alter the aura?
However, Naruto wasn't worried. He knew members of Ember, led by Shisui, had already mixed into the spectators standing guard in secret. He only hoped Orochimaru would be smart this time and not seek his own death.
In the arena's center, proctor Torune Aburame lazily held a senbon in his mouth. Naruto couldn't help but worry—was it really safe to keep such sharp implements in your mouth constantly?
Torune's gaze swept over the other seven contestants in the arena—the peaceful-looking Naruto, the constantly yawning Shikamaru, the burning-spirited Lee, the grave-faced Neji and Temari, the cold-aura-radiating Gaara, and the sunglasses-wearing Shino with completely unreadable emotions.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" From the main stage, the Third Hokage's voice, amplified by a sound device, reached the entire venue, instantly suppressing the chaotic crowd noise.
"I sincerely represent Konoha Shinobi Village in thanking all of you for traveling from afar to observe this Chunin Selection Exam hosted by Konoha! Next, these eight contestants who passed the preliminaries will engage in the final official matches. Please enjoy the spectacular battles to come!"
The moment the Third Hokage finished speaking, the stands erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.
Torune switched the senbon's position in his mouth, his gaze sweeping over the contestants. He retrieved a match list from his pocket and displayed it.
"Everyone, you all seem ready? As today's main actors, take one final look at your opponents."
The list displayed clearly before everyone:
[Hyuga Neji VS Rock Lee]
[Temari VS Nara Shikamaru]
[Aburame Shino VS Zaku Abumi]
[Uzumaki Naruto VS Gaara]
"Please wait a moment?" Aburame Shino calmly raised a question. "My listed opponent, Zaku Abumi, why hasn't he appeared? How should this situation be handled?"
Torune glanced at the empty spot, answering flatly, "If he hasn't appeared by the time his match is called, it will be treated as automatic forfeiture. You advance without fighting."
...Naruto watched the senbon move flexibly between Torune's lips as he spoke. Could he really not accidentally swallow it?
Though winning without fighting sounded good, Shino's tightly furrowed brows didn't relax. Because in the Chunin Exams, advancement wasn't about simple victory but comprehensive abilities and ninja qualities demonstrated in battle. Could the examiners truly approve and grant chunin status for direct advancement through a bye?
"Well then, though the venue differs from the preliminaries," Torune raised his voice, pulling everyone's attention back, "the final exam rules are basically the same as the preliminaries—no restrictions. Battles continue until one party dies or actively surrenders."
"Of course, as the head proctor, when I believe victory is decided or fighting might cause unnecessary fatal injuries, I'll intervene to end the match."
Though Gekko Hayate hadn't met his destined sacrifice, Torune still became the final exam's proctor. He wasn't sure why the higher-ups requested Gekko Hayate remain low-key and not appear during the exams, but thinking that the man was probably being carefully looked after by his beautiful girlfriend right now, Torune felt an inexplicable pang of envious resentment.
"Now then, let's begin the first match!" Torune announced loudly. "Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, both of you remain! Other contestants, please return to the waiting room!"
---
"That kid... is Guy's student, right? With that outfit, they look like they came from the same mold."
"However, though Rock Lee easily defeated the Inuzuka clan's kid in the preliminaries, the gap against a Hyuga genius is still too obvious."
"Right, pure taijutsu-type ninja facing a Byakugan user—the natural disadvantage is absolute."
Konoha ninja in the spectator stands exchanged low-voiced opinions, almost universally favoring Hyuga Neji. Kiba held Akamaru, eyes fixed on the green figure in the arena.
After his initial prejudice had faded, Kiba didn't believe he'd easily lose to any genin. Now, he vaguely felt this thick-browed guy's strength was far greater than anyone imagined.
In the arena's center, Lee steadily assumed the Steel Fist ready stance, his gaze locked intensely on Neji. "Neji... I've waited so long for this moment! Being able to face you on this final stage makes me so happy!"
"Today, I will prove to everyone—effort can surpass talent!"
Neji watched Lee with a grave expression. Though Lee had never defeated him in countless previous challenges, Neji harbored not the slightest complacency.
Because the conviction and ninja way Lee held resonated strongly with something deep within his own heart.
With sufficient power, you could break any seemingly predetermined destiny!
This was the path he'd understood from Menma. After learning of possible connections to Menma following the preliminaries, his initial excitement had settled, transforming into more resolute determination.
He always remembered his true purpose for yearning to reunite with that person—gaining his recognition, becoming the strength in his hands!
Therefore, though Lee's eyes burned with genuine, not false confidence, Neji absolutely wouldn't concede victory.
"Lee... your ninja way is truly admirable," Neji said solemnly, veins bulging around his Byakugan as his palms assumed the Gentle Fist stance.
"But... I also have absolute reasons not to lose! There's someone's expectations I absolutely cannot betray!"
"Then—" Torune's voice clearly reached throughout the venue, "First match battle... begin!"